How Much Does a Spare Car Key Cost?
A spare key for your car is vital to have peace of mind in the event that you lose or damage your primary key. It can be costly.
The cost will vary based on whether you buy the spare key from a retailer or a locksmith. The cost is also contingent on the type you need.
Dealerships
One of the most popular options to get a replacement key is through the dealer. Typically, dealers ask for information like the vehicle's model and make, year, and VIN when requesting a replacement key. Additionally, the dealer may request documents of ownership and identification to ensure that the new key is given to the owner who is legally entitled to it. This process is usually quick and cost-effective based on the type of keys, however, dealership services are typically more expensive.
Alternatively, you can buy a generic spare car key from a hardware store or locksmith and program it yourself. Many automakers will allow drivers to do this, and it is usually described in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website. This process may be more time-consuming and costly than calling a locksmith.
If you have a traditional metal key, you are able to get it replaced at a local locksmith for a couple of dollars. If your key is one that is electronic or has a transponder chip, the price is substantially more expensive. It could cost you about $50 to $200 or more.
It is recommended to create a duplicate car key before losing the original. You won't be stuck and you'll have an additional key in the event of an accident. It's a small price to pay for peace of mind and the ability to drive your car at any time you want.
While purchasing a new key may be a pain but it's definitely worth the cost in case you lose your original or get it stolen. Consult with your local locksmith or automaker before deciding on a service. You can also reach out to reliable key replacement companies and provide them with details regarding your vehicle to get a quote. This will help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your budget in control.
Locksmiths
If you've ever been locked out of your car, a spare key may come in handy. Keep the spare key in a secure location as you don't want it to get lost or stolen. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it can cost anywhere from $50-$200 to have a spare key made. There are a few ways to obtain an extra car key, including the dealership, an auto locksmith, or roadside assistance.
The dealer where you bought your vehicle is the best location to purchase an extra key. The dealer will have a blank key and can program it to work with your vehicle. This is the most expensive option however it is the most secure way to have a working key in case you lose the original key.
The price will vary, but most locksmiths and hardware stores will create car keys. A basic car key with transponder chips will typically be made for less than $10 while a key fob, or smart key can be much more expensive.
If you need a spare key for your vehicle, you should only work with an auto locksmith that is reputable. They should pass a DBS check, be vetted, and be licensed to perform this kind of work. They should be insured in case anything goes wrong during the duplication process.
It can be expensive to replace the key that was lost however it's worth it to have one in the event that you lose it, or lock it inside the car. It is always better to be prepared, rather than risking damaging your vehicle by trying to pry the door open using a hanger. Take the time to make a spare key for your car and store it in a safe place. You'll be grateful you did it if you ever need it!
Older cars
Losing your car keys can be a huge inconvenience. This could result in costly repair costs and lost work time, particularly if your vehicle isn't able to be accessed. If you have a spare car key, you can avoid these problems altogether. A spare key can save you money in the end. But what is the price a spare car key cost? The cost will depend on many aspects, including the model and make of the car and the type of key.
There are spare key shop near me of keys for cars, some more complex than others. The most popular is a standard key that is used to lock and unlock the doors. These are easy to make and cost between $10 and $15 for each copy. Other alternatives include switchblade keys, key fobs, and remote keys. They are more sophisticated, and may include features like alarm activation and remote start. They are more expensive than conventional keys.
It is a good thing to create an extra car key in case you have an older vehicle. You will avoid the costly cost of replacing a car that is more modern. If you lose your key, it's best to replace it as soon as you can. This will ensure that you're in a position to gain access to your vehicle, and prevent theft or other problems.
A spare car key is a good investment for any driver. The benefit of having a spare key is very useful in the event you lose your key or if it gets damaged. The cost of the spare car key may differ based on the make and model of the vehicle, so it is important to consider these factors when choosing a service provider.
In addition to the key itself, the majority of modern cars come with an electronic chip inside the head of the key. This chip sends signals to a security system in the car which can verify the keys and allow the driver to unlock or start their vehicle. If the chips are damaged or destroyed they could be costly to replace and may require the assistance of an auto locksmith or dealer.
Newer vehicles
For those of us who are old enough to remember, it used to be extremely easy to lose your car keys without losing a lot of cash. You could take the key code from the owner's manual to a hardware store or locksmith and have a replacement key cut at the most affordable cost. Things are a bit more complicated in the present. The latest cars have keys that have chips built in, which require knowledge from a dealer to duplicate. Then there are keys fobs, laser cuts and even switchblade keys - all of which cost a lot more than the traditional mechanical key.
There's no reason not to save up to 30% at Ace Hardware when you purchase your key replacements online and use their store locator tool to find the nearest location to service your vehicle.